At Marks Lumber, we serve everyone, from homeowners to professional builders locally in Montana and across the entire nation. In fact, many of our customers are from other states, from anywhere as close as Wyoming and Idaho, to Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, and more. Marks Lumber is an expert in supplying lumber all across the nation, so we know how important it is to find a supplier you can trust to help you throughout the entire purchasing process. Here are some things to keep in mind when ordering and purchasing lumber from out of state. 

Find a Trusted Supplier

Whether you're a homeowner or builder from near or far, the first step in purchasing lumber is to find the right supplier for you. No matter what your experience level is, this can be hard to do if you are unfamiliar with the company you want to purchase from. One of the first steps in finding a trusted supplier is doing your research. This goes for both homeowners and builders. You should make sure that the company you are ordering from will be able to help you achieve the look you're after in the timeframe you need to meet. Start by researching online and reaching out over the phone to give you a good idea of what your options are.

At Marks Lumber, we specialize in circle sawn lumber, siding, timbers, and flooring. Because authentic circle sawn material is becoming more and more obscure, we are very familiar with helping out-of-state purchasers make sure they know what to expect. We recommend compiling a list of questions to ask the company you're looking into and asking for samples and pictures of the products you are interested in. You’ll want to make sure you and this potential supplier are on the same page to prevent any costly mistakes down the line. Don't be surprised if the company has additional questions for you, as a good supplier will also want to make sure they are getting you exactly what you want the first time.

Check Your Order for Accuracy

In all projects, it is important to make sure you are accounting for all the materials you need for your upcoming project. This is especially true when ordering materials from outside your immediate geographic region. Unlike purchasing from your local big-box store, where making three or four trips is no sweat, ordering from far away requires more planning and accuracy. You will want to be extra sure that you’ve ordered all the materials you need in the first round. One mistake, and you could be paying additional shipping charges just to finish your job.

Many mills and lumberyards will work with you from the start of your project, guiding you on what you need and offering product recommendations. Make sure you are double-checking each quote they provide and asking questions to clarify if anything doesn't make sense to you. Often they will want you to be the last eyes on the materials list to ensure everything is accurate, so take your time going over that list, so you don’t miss something crucial down the line. 

Shipping

Shipping can be a costly part of ordering lumber from outside your immediate geographic area. Many factors can affect your cost aside from how far away you are from your chosen lumber supplier. The weight and lengths of the material are two factors that can quickly skyrocket your shipping price. 

Shipping prices are often pretty volatile, so when you receive a shipping quote from your supplier, ask if that cost is guaranteed. Sometimes companies can only give you a rough estimate to start with, so make sure to include some room in your budget for any fluctuations in your shipping cost. Also, don't be surprised if your shipping cost changes if you adjust your materials list. As discussed above, much of the shipping cost is calculated based on weight and length, so changing your order will undoubtedly affect the shipping cost. 

At Marks Lumber, we are here to help guide you through the entire ordering process, whether you are here in Montana or clear across the nation. We know it can be scary to order lumber from far away, but our beautiful circle-sawn timbers, lumber, siding, and flooring won't disappoint. Contact us with any questions or for a quote today. 

Learn More About Our Rough Cut Lumber Products